Autobiography: sport Books

Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2020 CYCLING BOOK OF THE YEAR''A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times'' - Ian Cleverly, Rouleur''Carlton Kirby is no ordinary cycling commentator, so it is not surprising that this very entertaining book is no ordinary Grand Tour on a bicycle. A very enjoyable journey for everyone'' - Phil Liggett MBE, NBC Tour de France commentator''Carlton Kirby''s infectious enthusiasm, wine tips and Shakespearean joy for inventing words makes every stage of a bike race a must-watch event'' - Matt Butler, i newspaperPrepare to be entertained as legendary Eurosport cycling commentator Carlton Kirby shares his tales from the road, taking you behind the scenes of the world''s greatest cycle races. With a candid authority that comes from over 25 years commentating on the world''s biggest cycling races, legendary Eurosport commentator CarltTrade ReviewCarlton is never lost for words, whether commentating or writing. A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times -- Ian Cleverly * Rouleur *Carlton Kirby is no ordinary cycling commentator, so it is not surprising that this very entertaining book is no ordinary Grand Tour on a bicycle. A very enjoyable journey for everyone -- Phil Liggett MBE, NBC Tour de France commentatorCarlton Kirby's infectious enthusiasm, wine tips and Shakespearean joy for inventing words makes every stage of a bike race a must-watch event -- Matt Butler * i newspaper *Carlton's commentary never fails to bring a bike race to life, he has to be the Dalai Lama of all TV commentators -- Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain Race DirectorThere's never a dull moment working with Carlton... I do try to keep him under control -- Joanna Rowsell-Shand MBE, Double Olympic Team Pursuit Gold Medallist and multiple World ChampionKirby pulls back the curtain to reveal behind-the-scenes antics from cycling's Grand Tours, laying bare the hilarious, leftfield and downright bizarre moments that covering the sport brings. * The Herald *Carlton's style often borders on controlled madness... sometimes without the control -- Brian Smith - commentator, team manager and British Road Race Champion 1991 & 1994I've heard all these stories before, but it was great to read them in silence... -- Dan Lloyd, GCN presenter and winner of the 2008 Vuelta ExtremaduraGet that bloody [Carlton] Kirby down here – I’d like to give him a good slap -- Mark Cavendish[Carlton Kirby] You make it sound like I’m not paying attention -- Chris FroomeTable of ContentsForeword by Sean Kelly 1 Life on Tour 2 The Breakfast of Kings 3 Drive to the Finish 4 Security, Good and Bad 5 The Five Lions 6 Kelly's Smalls 7 Cigarettes and Coffee 8 Carjack 9 Comfort Breaks 10 Attention Seekers! 11 Protestors 12 Slow Day 13 Feed Station 14 Having Fun - The Secret to Cycling Commentary 15 Relations Most Public 16 The Dark Side of Cycling 17 There is No Money! 18 Back on the Road 19 And So to Bed - Hotel Stories 20 Party Time! 21 The Greatest Ride 22 The Other Bikers 23 When the Plug Gets Pulled 24 How Do You Feel? 25 The Party's Over 26 And So It Comes to This About the Authors Acknowledgements Index

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Book Synopsis'This could be the first existential book about cricket I've ever read. It's certainly the most ambitious, and by turns the most beautiful...It's both sweeping and meticulous all at once....I can only say, truly, that my connection to the game feels deeper for having read it.' All Out CricketTrade ReviewThe extended piece on the pressures of Ashes series on captains is beautifully painted....I think every aspiring young England cricketer should read this....not as something to be afraid of, but to enlighten and prepare for the challenges that may come his way * Andy Flower *When I see the quality of writing by people like Scyld Berry...I feel daunted. I can never write as well as they can. * Rahul Dravid *Cricket's rich and varied tapestry, revealing character and national characteristics is passed on here by a man who has always been passionately interested in both. -- Mike AthertonThe game of cricket manages to invade the minds of all that are passionate about it on so many levels - it's combination of tradition, innovation, rivalry and friendship makes it truly unique. Scyld manages to encapsulate everything that is great about cricket into a fantastically entertaining book that reminds us all of how lucky we are to have involvement in the best game of all. -- Andrew StraussThis could be the first existential book about cricket I've ever read. It's certainly the most ambitious, and by turns the most beautiful...It's both sweeping and meticulous all at once....I can only say, truly, that my connection to the game feels deeper for having read it. It's a book that dares to concern itself with the 'why' question that lies behind everything. I feel like I understand a little more about why this enduringly magical, absurdly incongruous, infinitely renewable curio continues to take hold of us, and can offer no greater praise than that. -- Phil Walker * All Out Cricket *Perhaps more than any other sport, cricket has inspired outstanding writing. As Scyld Berry reveals in his new book, Cricket: The Game of Life, around 20,000 books or pamphlets have been produced in English on cricket over the years, a record. Now Mr Berry, a former editor of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack and the cricket correspondent of the Sunday Telegraph, has written a worthy addition to this rich lineage. The book may be eclectic, but it is also rewarding' * The Economist *...400 page love letter to the sport, weaving in his own memories with tales from around the world. * Sport *Scyld Berry is a rarity: among cricket correspondents of what were once styled the broadsheets, he is a scribe with almost no playing pedigree...few can challenge the breadth of his knowledge and understanding, or his love, of this most subtle of all sports. Throw in the author's rich cultural awareness and command of the English language and the result is a very good cricket book, one I am happy to label great...Seldom have I read a dust jacket with a more accurate description of its book. Even more rarely have I endorsed a book so wholeheartedly. * Association of Cricket Historians *Scyld Berry's paean to the game from its early days to now is an intensely personal work from one of cricket journalism's most original thinkers, mixing serious historical research with the reveries and theories that have sustained him over a lifetime. A work of love. * ESPNCricinfo *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for Cricket Book of the Year at the British Sports Book AwardsGraeme Swann leads us on a compelling adventure through one of world sport''s most engrossing rivalries. He knows as much as anybody about the heat of England v Australia battles, having played in three series wins and also the whitewash defeat of 2013-14 when its intensity ended his international career. However, it brought out some of his best displays in Test cricket. But he is just one of dozens of colourful characters to have added their chapters to this great tome. The mock obituary of English cricket in the Sporting Times of 1882 was the forerunner of summers and winters of heaven and hell, depending on which side of the divide you were situated. When it comes to on-field relations nothing quite compares to the over-my-dead-body feel of the Ashes.From Grace to Sir Don, the most graceful of them all. From the foulest play to the fairest - contrast the 1932-33 Bodylin

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Book SynopsisChampion motorcyclist and truck racer, television presenter, practical joker or just plain survivor - Steve Parrish has been called them all. Parrish Times tracks his amazing journey over the last four decades, through a rollercoaster ride of emotions in surely the most dangerous and exhilarating sporting arena there is.In the 1970s Steve was competing for the world motorcycle championship with legendary team mate Barry Sheene on a Suzuki. After retiring in 1986, Steve managed a successful Yamaha factory team to three British Superbike Championship titles and started a truck-racing career, becoming the most successful truck racer ever. He also proved to be a natural commentator, first for BBC radio, then transferring to television with Sky, ITV and Eurosport. Against this backdrop are Steve''s notorious pranks: posing as a medical doctor to allow John Hopkins to fly from Japan to the Australian GP; impersonating Barry Sheene in a qualifying session; owning a fTrade ReviewFrom team-mate of Barry Sheene, to Superbike team manager and European and British Truck champion to race commentator, Steve Parrish is motorsport's jack of all trades. Parrish Times: My Life as a Racer is a fantastic look back at his career with some hilarious anecdotes. A great read for bikers and non-bikers alike * Daily Express *A tale of life in the fast lane, peppered with practical jokes and stunts * Boundless *

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Book SynopsisSam Quek is mainly known for her starring role in the 2016 Olympic gold medal winning hockey team. This was the first time a British ladies team had won gold, but what is much less known is that Sam's rise to the top of her spot was far from easy. Sam missed out on being part of Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics but competed for England at the 2013 EuroHockey tournament and 2014 Commonwealth Games, which she won silver medals. She won the gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics after the GB hockey team beat the Netherlands on penalties. How Sam overcame the bitter disappointment of being overlooked for the two previous Olympics and ensured that she wouldn't miss out again are revealed here for the first time. She also tells of her tough childhood and her battle to reach the heights that she has. She then went on to further fame by appearing in 'I'm a Celebrity' where she proved to be hugely popular with the viewing public, eventually finishing fourth. Sam now presents a variety of sports for TV, including men and women's football, NFL and hockey. She has been signed up to be the main presenter for the women's World Hockey Championships in 2018, held in August. She is hugely popular on social media with thousands of followers on twitter and instagram. Sam also has some very strong views on how women are portrayed in sport and their treatment by both coaches and the media. This is a hugely topical subject at the moment and promises to remain so for some time.

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Book SynopsisThe life and journey of one of Great Britain's most successful ever gymnasts.

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Book Synopsis‘You don’t get to be six-time British Superbike Champion without having talent and desire’ – Wayne Rainey, three-time 500cc World ChampionShane ‘Shakey’ Byrne knows what it is like to live on the edge. The most successful rider in British Superbike history, he is the only person to have won the championship six times. Shakey is a living motorbike legend, with legions of fans across the country.For the first time Shakey tells his life story, from being abandoned as a newborn baby in a London hospital, to multiple brushes with the law and working night shifts on the London Underground to fund his early racing career. Whether it was on his BMX or joyriding through Kent, the only thing Shakey ever wanted to do was race motorbikes.Once he had got his break, Shakey quickly developed a reputation as one of the most exciting riders of his generation, and the thrill of every victory, every chicane and every overtake, as well as the hospital visits and painstaking recovery, is relived in heart-pumping detail.Unshakeable is an incredible story of winning and risk-taking, of horrendous crashes in which he nearly lost his life, of Ducatis and monster motorhomes, and of hard-fought glory in one of the most exciting and dangerous sports on the planet. Told with breathless exhilaration, Shakey’s story is one of inspiration, break-neck speed and a life lived truly on, and over, the limit.Trade ReviewShane’s achievements over the years have proved he is the complete racer and undoubtedly a world-class rider. A true inspiration for our youngsters in the sport -- Niall Mackenzie, three-time British Superbike ChampionShakey is someone I have the utmost respect for both on and off the track; a fantastic racer with such a textbook style and he taught me the respect needed in our game after you’ve won or lost. For me this makes him a legend of our sport -- Alex Lowes, 2013 British Superbike ChampionYou don’t get to be six-time British Superbike Champion without having talent and desire -- Wayne Rainey, three-time 500cc World Champion

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Book SynopsisINCLUDES AN UPDATED CHAPTER ON THE 2020 SEASONYou don't get biceps like Briggs by giving up when the going gets tough... CrossFit superstar Sam Briggs, aka 'The Engine', is a true hero in the sport, with a level of endurance unparalleled in the game. This is the story of how she got to the top, and battled with everything she had to stay there. Sam's memoir takes in the whole story, from being kicked out of ballet lessons as a child but being accepted on the boys' sports teams, to working as a firefighter in West Yorkshire for ten years, tackling dangerous and adrenaline-fueled situations on a daily basis, and to taking up CrossFit at the comparatively ancient age of 27. Sam tells of what it took to become champion a mere three years later, and after a year out with a broken patella. Despite the numerous setbacks and debilitating injuries that have plagued her in the years that followed, when most other athletes would have thrown in the towel, Sam has fought, and continues to fight, to be the very best that she can be. Start Your Engines is the story of how, with a combination of grit, training and dogged motivation, it's never too late to achieve your dreams.

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Book Synopsis'A treatise on empathy and grace in extraordinary circumstances' Jojo MoyesWhat does it mean to be a woman? To live in a woman's body?Alexandra Heminsley thought she knew, but then her world turned inside out. Having just resurfaced from fertility issues, childbirth and early parenthood, she was told her then-husband was going to transition.Some Body to Love is Alex's profoundly open-hearted memoir about losing a partner but gaining a best friend, and together bringing up a baby in a changing world. By baring her own unique scars, Heminsley makes a vital manifesto on the unifying resilience that can be found in modern motherhood. ______________________Praise for Some Body to Love: 'Insightful and wise, generous and kind' David Nicholls'A brave, thoughtful and timely book' Naomi Alderman'A testament to how family and love can be whatever shape we want them to be' Red'It took my breath away' Bryony Gordon'A book with a wild, deep, joyous, tender love of people at its heart' Emma Jane UnsworthTrade ReviewJaw-dropping... This is an extraordinary, kind, and generous book about what it means to live in a woman's body and the questions you ask yourself along the way. * Independent, *Books of the Year* *Staggering... Heminsley is unflinching in her exploration of her feelings. -- Daisy Goodwin * Sunday Times *Heartbreak and happiness sit in tandem in Alexandra Heminsley's wise and generous book. -- Eithne Farry * Daily Mirror *Generous, calm and thoughtful... Some Body to Love argues cogently for greater openness and understanding towards different gender expressions...also page-turningly compelling -- Holly Williams * Observer *A vital call for compassion and awareness...a hugely hopeful and deftly written book - and one that might encourage greater empathy in how we respond to all kinds of difference -- Gwendolyn Smith * i *

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Book Synopsis SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS CRICKET BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021 'Verdict on Willis book: a treat' - Express'The book is a gem' - Mike Atherton 'It's a lovely book, containing previously unseen musings from the great man' - David Lloyd'enjoyable and eye-opening... a delight to read' - The Telegraph 'A warm, polished recollection.' - The Guardian'It's such a great read' - Piers Morgan'Willis book will bowl you over' - Sunday Mirror & The PeopleA biography celebrating the life of the legendary cricketer Bob Willis, with tributes from key figures in sports and media and a foreword by Sir Ian Botham. Following his passing in 2019, tributes to Bob came flooding in in every major news outlet and from every major figure in the industry - and outside of it. His career spanned decades, from his days as a cricketer for England to his time as a pundit on Sky TV. This autobiography includes never-before-seen writing from Bob alongside contributions from key figures as well as a detailed account of the great England victory over Australia at Headingly in 1981.The book, edited by Bob's brother David, combines a new biography, written by Daily Mail sportswriter Mike Dickson, with a celebration of a truly legendary man. Tributes from some of his many friends in the world of cricket and beyond are accompanied by reflections on highlights from an eventful life, drawing on autobiographical and personal material by Bob himself, contemporary press reports and the accounts of team-mates and opponents.

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Book SynopsisCOMING VERY SOON: the brand new book from bestseller Paris Fury. How Does She Do It is available to pre-order now!Gypsy Queen to the Gypsy King, Tyson Fury's wife Paris reveals the magical highs and epic lows of life with the Heavyweight Boxing World Champion, as she shares their life story and what keeps them strong through the good times - and the bad.Paris Fury is Tyson's rock, the wife he thanks for all his success. Both from Traveller families, she married him at 19 and is hands-on mother to their six children, as well as at his side through every fight. Always glamorous, strong, grounded, and her own woman. When Tyson's struggles with depression, OCD and alcohol have threatened to overwhelm them, she has held them together, and helped to see Tyson through to the greatest boxing victories.With all her warmth, humour and honesty, she tells her story - from her Traveller childhood, falling in love, making a home and a family, to coming through Tyson's darkest moments. She vividly describes the anguish of their worst times, and what it's like to be at the ringside. And she shows what it takes to balance the fame, the fans and all the sporting pressures alongside everyday family life.

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Book Synopsis'Extraordinary . . . great fun' Barry Egan, Irish Sunday Independent'A wonderful story . . . vivid and comprehensive.' Stephen Jones, Sunday Times''Throughout it all though there is a feeling of warmth for the sport and for others. Above all there is a sense of achievement . . . Best was never one of the glamour boys, but he deserves star billing.' Daily TelegraphRory Best is widely-regarded as one of Ireland's greatest ever captains. Entrusted by Joe Schmidt to lead the side that looked on the wane following the 2015 World Cup, Best's inspirational leadership skills and abrasive qualities proved to be the foundation stones for the most successful period in Ireland's history.His first year in charge saw Ireland complete a hat-trick of victories against the southern hemisphere 'Big Three', including leading his side to a first ever victory over world champions New Zealand in Chicago, a feat that etched Best's place in Irish sporting folklore and ended the All Blacks' record-winning streak of 18 Test victories.Ireland's annus mirabilis under Best's captaincy would come in 2018 however, when he led the side to only their third Grand Slam title, culminating with a famous victory over England at Twickenham, and a record-breaking run of 12 successive Test victories.When he stepped down as Ireland captain at the age of 37 following the World Cup in Japan, his fourth tournament, history will no doubt also judge Best to be one of their greatest forwards.A hugely-popular figure across the game, Best finished his career as Ireland's most capped forward, behind only Brian O'Driscoll and Ronan O'Gara in the all-time records, and also made over 200 appearances for his province Ulster.

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Book SynopsisIn a nation of rugby heroes, Jamie Roberts has become a legend.Jamie Roberts is your quintessential hard man: a 6 foot 4, 17 stone slab of rippling muscle, conditioned to run hard into other huge men in an arena where physical dominance is the prime currency. Yet away from rugby, he's a mild-mannered and thoughtful man - a qualified doctor with a thirst for knowledge and a curiosity about the world around him. It's an intriguing contradiction.In his first full season with the Cardiff Blues he was picked by new Wales coach Warren Gatland in the Grand Slam-winning side of 2008. He was still establishing his position in the national team when he toured with the 2009 Lions, emerging as Player of the Series. He went on to win 97 Test caps and play for clubs in Paris, London and Cape Town, yet his career has seldom been straightforward. A fractured skull was one of many injuries he had to overcome, and from the start he had to juggle the competing demands of university life and professional rugby. The joy of Six Nations success with Wales was balanced by heartbreak in the World Cup and disappointment against southern-hemisphere teams, while major trophies at club level proved frustratingly elusive.In this colourful and frank account of a sterling career, Jamie Roberts reveals all about life on tour, in boot camps and in dressing rooms filled with once-in-a-generation characters such as Mike Phillips, Andy Powell, Shaun Edwards, Martyn Williams, Brian O'Driscoll and Johnny Sexton. He also shares his views on concussion in rugby, the failings of the professional structure in Wales and the vital role of old-school team-bonding.Trade ReviewDelves into his innermost emotions * Best Rugby Books 2021 *Roberts' autobiography, written with the excellent Ross Harries, is a compelling offering, packed with tales from a remarkable career including his relationship with Gatland and brushes with celebrities including Lana Del Rey and Bono in Monte Carlo * Telegraph *If Jamie Roberts achieved plenty on the pitch, few modern players have a wider-ranging story to tell off it . . . It is to the credit of the 35-year-old and his skilful "ghost" Ross Harries that Centre Stage: My Life in Rugby seamlessly weaves together all these contrasting threads * Guardian *Tells his private and professional story with candor and charm * Buzz Magazine *

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Book SynopsisA memoir of addiction, body image, and healing, through the lens of a long-distance runner. Emily Pifer’s debut memoir, The Running Body, wrestles and reckons with power and agency, language and story, body dysphoria and beauty standards, desire and addiction, loss and healing. Pifer employs multiple modes of storytelling—memoir, meditation, and cultural analysis—interweaving research, argument, and experience as she describes how, during her time as a collegiate distance runner, she began to run more while eating less. Many around her, including her coaches, praised her for these practices. But as she became faster, and as her body began to resemble the bodies that she had seen across start-lines and on the covers of running magazines, her bones began to fracture. Pifer tells her story alongside the stories of her teammates, competitors, and others as they all face trouble regarding their bodies. Through the lens of long-distance running, Pifer examines the effects of idolization and obsession, revealing the porous boundaries between what counts as success and what is considered failure. While grounded in truth, The Running Body interrogates its relationship to magical thinking, the stories we tell ourselves, and the faultiness of memory. Fractures, figurative and literal, run through the narrative as Pifer explores the ways bodies become entangled in stories. The Running Body was selected by Steve Almond as the winner of the 2021 Autumn House Nonfiction Prize. Trade Review"The Running Body is a most unusual book - little in words but big in philosophy. . . . I was mesmerized - the flow reminded me of honey yet the sentences would repeat themselves, would be fragments, would be otherwise unique." * Patch *“The Running Body isn’t just a splendid book about life as a competitive runner. It is a searing exploration of what it means to give yourself over to the beauty and pain of competition, to run for your life but also against it. Emily Pifer is fearless in her pursuit of the truth, not just about running but disordered eating, patriarchal culture, the male gaze, our frantic quest for control, and the role of sports in our society. I felt I was listening to a voice that had vital things to say, and that helped me understand my life, as well as hers.” -- Steve Almond, author of Candyfreak and Against Football"I couldn't put this book down. With gut-wrenching honesty and startling courage, Pifer documents her harrowing descent into the dark side of elite running, where the pursuit of physical perfection is non-negotiable and potentially deadly. A moving, important story." -- Anelise Chen, author of So Many Olympic Exertions"It is beautiful to watch Pifer find her way back to herself, sentence by sentence, in this triumphant memoir." -- Leah Dieterich, author of Vanishing Twins: A MarriageTable of ContentsI.II.III.IV.V.VI.NotesSelected SourcesThank You and Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisBattling time, tide and the weather, Big Dream, Little Boat is a compelling account of one man's journey by kayak around the island of Ireland. Kevin O'Sullivan, an Aer Lingus pilot based in Skerries in north County Dublin, had set himself a mission to circumnavigate the entire Irish coast and to get home safely. The only problem was finding a way to do it. With a demanding job and family commitments he decides to break the journey into manageable three- and four-day chunks, leaving his kayak at stages along the way and resuming the adventure when the opportunity arose. Travelling mainly in the summer months, his expedition takes three years. Along the way he reflects on the fascinating marine life, colourful Irish history, lovely scenery, and in particular on the remarkable people he met on his journey. He also recounts the many challenges he faced, not least of which was his biggest difficulty chronic seasickness! Despite an attempt to paddle only in good weather, Kevin still enco

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Book Synopsis‘I leaned over the edge to let anyone see and touch the medal that Northern Ireland had brought away from the Olympics. It wasn't mine, it was ours.’ In September 1972, after years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication, Mary Peters won the gold medal for the pentathlon at the Munich Olympics. Her skill as an athlete could not be disputed, yet this was to mark only the beginning of her story. A beloved figure in her adopted home of Northern Ireland, Mary has spent decades promoting and encouraging its young sportspeople. From establishing its first high standard synthetic athletic track, to founding the Mary Peters Sports Trust, she has been a stalwart ambassador for sport and for Northern Ireland itself, and has received several royal honours in recognition of her services to sport and the community. With over 60 photographs set alongside lively commentary and insight into contemporary events, this is the definitive account of a truly remarkable woman: ‘Our Mary’. ‘A joyful trailblazer, Mary takes her place amongst those few special sporting stars who have achieved legendary status – both as an athlete and in her achievements since leaving the track.’ DAME KATHERINE GRAINGER DBE ‘I owe so much to Mary Peters. I was a beneficiary of one of her foundation’s grants, and for that, and for her continued support, I will always be grateful.’ CARL FRAMPTON MBE ‘Mary Peters is an inspiration. She has used her success to encourage and support so many people in reaching their potential, personally demonstrating how to overcome the disappointments and celebrate the achievements.’ JOSLYN HOYTE-SMITH OLY ‘An unparalleled influence in sport in Northern Ireland … and a role model and inspiration to so many people – including myself!’ HON. COL. DAME KELLY HOLMES MBE (MIL)

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Book SynopsisAn autobiography from golf's freshest, most individual voiceIan Poulter is one of golf's most charismatic figures, with an appeal extending way beyond his sport. Here he tells his inspirational story, from his early rejection as an Spurs youth player, right through to his match-winning contributions to successive European Ryder Cup Triumphs. Poulter went from an Assistant Professional staffing the club shop to a global superstar, turning pro when he still had a handicap of 4 but the drive and self-belief to make it to the top. His infectious optimism, will power and flair have ensured he remains one of the biggest names on the tour. As well as insights into the crucial moments in his career, and the life of a professional golfer, he talks about his passions outside the game, including his own riotous brand of clothing. Just as Poulter's appearance on the scene came as a refreshing antidote to a sport that was staid and stuffy, so his own book is as forthright and passionate as Poults himself.Trade ReviewPoulter's story is so inspirational it certainly deserves to be preserved in hardcover - Daily MailPoulter's book supplies background and family insight which has not been offered before . . . an accurate portrayal of Poulter the character - Guardian

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Book SynopsisRarely in the modern English game has a player been as loved by his supporters, admired by his teammates and respected by his peers as Ledley King. And even more rarely has such a shining talent seen their career cut so tragically short. Named 'the best defender in Europe' by Thierry Henry, and described by Martin Jol as 'the best central defender I've ever seen', King was undoubtedly one of the greatest talents of his generation. Yet injury forced his retirement, aged only 31. But even at the height of his chronic knee trouble - when he could only train once a week, and was advised not to even play football with his son - King still managed to captain Tottenham Hotspur and be called up to the England squad. King documents the successes and struggles - both personal and professional - behind this unique and unprecedented footballing career: from King's childhood in East London, to his future out of the white shirt of his beloved Tottenham Hotspur.Table of ContentsWhat If...? Just a Boy from Bow. The World at My Feet. The Hot House. The Orient Express to Tottenham. Turning Pro. Young Lion. The School of Hard Knocks. Debut! The Millennium Bug. In Which I Set a Record! The Dawn of the Hoddle Era. Capped - and Hoodooed. Losing the Faith. Pleat Takes Care. A Captain in Stormy Waters. Enter the Lion! The Road to Lasagne-gate. Running to Stand Still. No One Expects the Spanish Inquisition... Glory at Last! Attacking the Mountain. Sweet Relief. The Feelgood Revolution. Up Pops Crouchy! The England Hair-Shirt. 'I'll Give It a Go'. The Bitter End? A New Beginning. The Night I Took a Dive. Picture Credits. Index.

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Book SynopsisOn 29 May 1953 Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary conquered Everest, three days before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Before their success, Everest had claimed the lives of dozens of climbers, including George Leigh Mallory in 1924. Norgay, the descendant of generations of yak herders, was destined to become a llama, but his love for the mountains was that much stronger. He had but one dream all his life, despite seven sherpas dying in 1922, and that was to conquer Everest. For thirty years expeditions had been struggling to scale its fiendishly difficult icy slopes and he was part of every single one until the one with Hillary succeeded. No adventure enthusiast will want to miss this unique Buddhist perspective on climbing.Trade Review'The last innocent adventure.' Jan Morris

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Book SynopsisFOOTBALL'S BIGGEST CHARACTERS TELL IT LIKE IT ISWho is the Secret Footballer? Well he's back and this time his mates speak out too.Players, agents, coaches and managers give you access to all areas of the Premier League. From deal-making to play-making, from dodgy tactics to drunken antics, they reveal the unforgettable highs and the unforgivable lows.This is football as you've never seen it before. 'What happens behind closed doors at Premiership clubs usually stays firmly shut behind closed doors. Not if the Secret Footballer has anything to do with it.' Loaded **From the bestselling author of I am the Secret Footballer and The Secret Footballer's Guide to the Modern Game.**

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Book SynopsisIrish national hero, a Celtic great and their most-capped player, Patrick 'Packie' Bonner is a goalkeeping legend.He was Jock Stein's last signing for the club when he left his native Donegal for the city of Glasgow in 1978, where Packie evolved from being a shy, homesick teenager into a confident, world-class talent and first-choice goalkeeper. Billy McNeill handed him a debut on St Patrick's Day in 1979, and Packie went on to provide the last line of defence a record 641 times for the club. A seasoned Irish internationalist, Packie was a vital component in the most-celebrated Irish national squad ever, playing in a golden era under the tutelage of the inimitable Jack Charlton.In The Last Line, Packie shares stories from his incredible career, including his greatest moment in front of a global audience during the Italia '90 World Cup tournament when he became the penalty shoot-out hero of the nation by saving a spot-kick that took the Irish to the quarter-finals stage in their very first World Cup adventure.It was an iconic moment that would change his life forever not least because, whilst in Italy, he, along with his teammates, had an audience with another goalkeeper, Pope John Paul II.Throughout his 80 cap international career, he competed against the very best in the world. Men such as Ruud Gullit, Marco Van Basten, Gheorghe Hagi, Roberto Baggio and Gary Lineker came to know the name Packie Bonner. Equally, in his glittering Celtic career that included the winning of four Scottish League titles, three Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup, Packie Bonner played alongside some great Celtic names like Tommy Burns, Paul McStay, and Murdo Macleod.Along the way, Packie had to endure a career-threatening back injury, as well as the devastation of a routine save going wrong and costing a goal on the world stage against Holland in 1994, ultimately leading to elimination from the World Cup in America. More than just the telling of trophies, titles and triumphs, this is the story of a Celtic legend and a true great of Irish International football.Trade ReviewIt's a terrific tale that all Celtic supporters will enjoy * Celtic View *

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Book SynopsisHow one man went from gaming and making videos at home to becoming a football club owner'The bizarre new world of football' Guardian I lifted the trophy triumphantly over my head, just as I’d seen so many FA Cup, World Cup and Champions League winners do on TV. It was quite simply the best moment of my life. Hashtag United had won. So, how on earth did this happen? How did a kid who at one point couldn’t even get in his school team end up playing at Wembley Stadium in front of 20,000 people? How did someone who spent his life playing computer games get to play football in the same side as World Cup- and Champions League-winning players?I'm hardly sure myself. But here's my attempt to tell the story.

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Book SynopsisJohn 'Robbo' Robertson is a Hearts legend and the club's all-time record goalscorer in the league. He has a remarkable tally of 311 goals in 712 appearances for Heart of Midlothian FC.Capped 16 times for Scotland, Robbo is Hearts' most successful striker in the modern era. His uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time and his sublime finishing touch have made him a footballing icon.Now Robbo tells his own story in his own words. He recalls how football became his passion as a youngster, how he got his big break and why he didn't sign for Hibs - a particular sore point for Hearts' arch-rivals every time the 'Hammer of Hibs' scored one of his record 27 goals in an Edinburgh derby.Robbo's recollections include brilliant insider stories about Brian Clough and Wallace Mercer, plus the heartbreak of losing the league in the season's closing minutes. He talks, too, about his family and how his life changed forever when he lost his father to cancer at the age of just fourteen.John Robertson's life is an extraordinary one. His journey takes him from the parks and streets of Scotland's capital to the history books as one of the greatest players ever to pull on the Jambos' famous maroon jersey. ROBBO is a must-read for anyone who loves Hearts and loves football.

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Book SynopsisAt 34 years of age, Gregory Howe quit teaching in London to chase his childhood dream of becoming a world-ranked tennis professional. He started his year-long journey in the minor leagues, playing across four continents, as far afield as Bangkok, Kampala and Lahore, initially struggling against younger, fitter aspiring pros. Breaking through to the elite ATP tour, he got within volleying distance of some of the greats of the modern game. Eventually, he managed to juggle competing on the ATP tour with holding down a nine-to-five job. Along the way he encountered almost everything the tennis world has to offer, from rising stars racing to the top, to players whose hopes are slowly being shattered. Chasing Points: A Season on the Men's Pro Tennis Circuit offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of a touring tennis professional from the perspective of a real 'underdog'.

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Book SynopsisJames Cook's autobiography is a gripping account of his life told with the assistance of his friend and boxing author, Melanie Lloyd. Cook was raised by his grandparents in Jamaica until he was nine years old, when his mother arrived from London to collect him. His words paint a vibrant picture of childhood in the Caribbean sun and having to adapt to life on the notorious North Peckham Housing Estate in the late 60s. He started boxing in his teens and became British and European super-middleweight champion. Cook eloquently leads the reader through his life in the ring with plenty of droll tales along the way; but this is much more than a boxing book. Cook's commitment to keeping his local community safe through his youth work contributes to an inspirational and uplifting read. But anybody expecting to find Saint James on every page is in for a shock. His stories range from fighting with wheel-clampers in a Tesco car park to receiving his MBE from the Queen, all told with equal warmth and a sweet honesty that will keep the pages turning.

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Book SynopsisCompelling, entertaining and refreshingly honest, One in a Million is the autobiography of Trevor Francis, the subject of the first GBP1 million transfer fee in football history - a record for all time. As a 16-year-old, Francis set a record as the youngest player to score four goals in a match, an early indication of an exceptional talent. And so his unique career journey would continue to unfold, encountering a seemingly endless succession of superlatives, larger-than-life characters and astonishing events. Trevor played professionally not only in England but also in the USA and Scotland, in Italy and Australia. He gained 52 England caps, and won the European Cup on his debut in the competition. He played his part in the English revolution at Glasgow Rangers and managed QPR, Crystal Palace, Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City. Thrillingly, Trevor takes the reader with him into dressing rooms, into boardrooms and on to the field of play. He has a true gift for memorable detail, providing a wealth of revelations and remarkable stories.

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Book SynopsisBails and Boardrooms is the story of one of Middlesex cricket's best-loved players - a man who used the sport to change his life. David Nash lived and breathed cricket from a very young age. Touted as a future England star at age 15, he eventually found the strains of life as a professional cricketer too great and suffered severe mental-health issues. But the end of Nashy's 16-year Middlesex career proved to be the beginning of something far greater. Determined to make something more of his life, he set out on a journey that would see him build a multi-million-pound business. It was a business that would be his proudest achievement. This book charts Nashy's extraordinary life, from a cricket career of unfulfilled potential to building a business using the lessons he learnt from sport and raising millions for charity. This is a story for anyone who loves cricket or is interested in entrepreneurship. It's a story that shows how hard work, determination and talent can take you almost anywhere.

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Book SynopsisHis Name is McNamara is the riveting story of the life and career of football manager and former player Jackie McNamara. Jackie played for a series of clubs but is best known for the trophy-laden decade he spent at Celtic, culminating in a spell as club captain and a Scottish international career. His departure from Celtic in 2005 was controversial and abrupt, taking the football world by surprise when he signed for Wolves despite a last-minute attempt by the club to keep him in Glasgow. After spells at Aberdeen, Falkirk and Partick Thistle, he finished playing and moved into management with Thistle, Dundee United and York City. Jackie pulls no punches as he gives us the inside track on a career at the highest level of the game and the battling qualities he needed to succeed. It was those qualities that he drew on when his life was threatened by a brain aneurism in early 2020. His Name is McNamara is a story of success and survival.

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Book SynopsisLiddell at One Hundred celebrates the life of Liverpool and Scotland legend Billy Liddell. Born in Fife in 1922, Billy made the move from Scotland to Liverpool at 16, but the Second World War delayed his debut. After serving in the RAF as a navigator, he returned to football and won the league with Liverpool in his first full season with the club after the war. A diehard Red, Billy spent his whole career with the club, scoring 228 times in 534 appearances between 1938 and 1961. He remains the oldest goalscorer in Liverpool's history and their fourth-highest scorer of all time. Liddell spent a decade playing for Scotland and has the honour - alongside Stanley Matthews - of being one of only two men to represent a Great Britain XI more than once. A true sportsman and consummate professional, he was never booked or sent off in his entire footballing career. Liddell at One Hundred brings you the inside story of his life from those who knew him best - friends, supporters, family members and former team-mates.

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Book Synopsis Belfast?s Carl ?The Jackal? Frampton MBE is no ordinary boxer. One of only three fighters from the British Isles to be named theRing MagazineFighter of the Year, he has headlined multiple sell-out world championship bouts on both sides of the Atlantic, winning multiple world titles in the process. His dedicated army of fans have traversed the globe to be ringside throughout it all. But Frampton?s popularity far exceeds the traditional adulation for a sporting icon; he is regarded as a symbol of hope and unity by both sides of the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland. In this captivating autobiography, Frampton reveals the most personal aspects of being a fighter; of fears and doubts, of exhilaration and devastation, of friendship and animosity. He also recounts for the first time his high-profile, acrimonious split with Barry McGuigan, in devastating and revealing detail. Frampton speaks openly and passionately, not only about boxing, but about his country, how far it has come and the problems it faces. This is a uniquely intimate account of a true modern-day sporting great and a local hero like no other.

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Book Synopsis'A man who had such a huge impact on my career and so many other young players at West Ham United. I highly recommend this fantastic read.' FRANK LAMPARD JR'This man passed on the West Ham DNA to the best generation of academy graduates to come through the West Ham system.' RIO FERDINAND'A West Ham United man, a must read for every West Ham United fan.' MARK NOBLEThe autobiography of a West Ham legend - including exclusive interviews with Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Mark Noble.Tony Carr is one of the most influential coaches of all time. Having achieved his boyhood dream of signing with West Ham United in 1966 and training alongside the inimitable Bobby Moore, a leg break forced Carr to end his playing career before it had even begun. Not to be deterred, he decided to forge himself a new path and was appointed director of youth football at West Ham in 1973, aged just 23.As Carr tells in this book the very first time, over the next 43 years he honed his craft, becoming hugely admired for identifying and nurturing young talent, guiding multiple generations of international starlets through the ranks at The Academy of Football.In his brilliant, understated style, Tony tells the incredible story of his footballing life. He recounts the highs and lows of his time with West Ham, with tales of the twelve managers he coached under. This unique evocation of a coach's craft includes exclusive interviews with Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and current West Ham captain Mark Noble as they talk frankly about football and their place within it.Trade ReviewA man who had such a huge impact on my career and so many other young players at West Ham United. I highly recommend this fantastic read. -- FRANK LAMPARD JRThis man passed on the West Ham DNA to the best generation of academy graduates to come through the West Ham system. -- RIO FERDINANDA West Ham United man, a must read for every West Ham United fan. -- MARK NOBLE

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Book Synopsis'You can get a couple of years for beating the shit out of another bloke or a couple of grand. I chose to do the latter.'Decca's story is that of a bullied boy with an impossible dream. Of solvent abuse, violence, drug addiction, depression, boxing, bare-knuckle fighting but - ultimately - redemption.It begins on a council estate in Carlisle where, as the victim of cruel bullies, a young Decca anaesthetised himself from the pain and humiliation by sniffing solvents. In his mid-teens the fear fell away to be replaced by fury, as the bullies soon discovered to their cost. Memories of that frightened boy fuelled a rage that forged a fearsome street-fighter and future champion.Working on the doors attracted more trouble but further enhanced his growing reputation. At the age of nineteen, life was good until the love of his life left him. Depression set in and prevailed. For almost ten years, he fell prey to a rampant cocaine habit, which provoked his demons, making him unpredictable and dangerous to be around. Serious jail time seemed inevitable.Out of sheer desperation, his dad arranged Decca's first unlicensed boxing match. He won and became instantly hooked. Having gotten fit, hungry, and off the drugs, he was lured into the bloody arena of bare-knuckle fighting. Many brutal undefeated fights followed, as did two BKB heavyweight titles. A chance meeting with renowned boxing promoter, Ricky English led to Decca's shot at the iconic 'Guv'nor' title. The rest, as they say, is history.

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Book SynopsisThe autobiography of Ted Macauley, award-winning newspaper reporter, columnist, and sports journalist. A story filled with the excitement of the sports that he covered, tales of some enviable assignments, and a host of celebrity friends and sporting superstars, including Mike Hailwood, George Best, Barry Sheene, Ringo Starr and many more. Ted Macauley has written three books about the incredible career of his best friend Mike Hailwood, whose life is soon to be immortalised in a major Hollywood film. He has now turned the focus on his own life, and the glamorous lifestyle as he travelled to exotic locations, and rubbed shoulders with sporting heroes and Hollywood stars alike. With many original photos from Ted's private collection to accompany the text, this autobiography is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a top sports journalist.

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Book SynopsisThe inspirational inside story from the 2018 Tour de France and Sports Personality of the Year winner"This year G was the strongest rider, and he finally had Lady Luck on his side. An unstoppable combination" Chris Froome"I understood what Geraint's win meant: for him, for me, for the team, and for Wales, too" Dave Brailsford"Wow!" Arsène WengerFor years Geraint Thomas appeared blessed with extraordinary talent but jinxed at the greatest bike race in the world: twice an Olympic gold medallist on the track, Commonwealth champion, yet at the Tour de France a victim of crashes, bad luck and his willingness to sacrifice himself for his team-mates. In the summer of 2018, that curse was blown away in spectacular fashion - from the cobbles of the north and the iconic mountain climbs of the Alps to the brutal slopes of the Pyrenees and, finally, the Champs-Elysees in Paris. As a boy, G had run home from school on summer afternoons to watch the Tour on television. This July, across twenty-one stages and three weeks, and under constant attack from his rivals, he made the race his own.With insight from the key characters around Geraint, this is the inside story of one of the most thrilling and heart-warming tales in sport. Not only can nice guys come first - they can win the biggest prize of all.Trade ReviewHardback edition also available: 9781787479036 -- Publisher: Quercus Publications

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Book Synopsis***'Footie book of the year.' - The SunTROY DEENEY is best known as Watford FC's former captain and a thorn in Arsenal's side. But behind the successful and gritty football persona is a remarkable story of resilience.In this brutally honest and inspirational memoir, Troy shares what it was like to grow up on Europe's largest council estate, where his mum worked three jobs and his father, a notorious drug dealer, was frequently in and out of prison.He shares stories of self-sabotage, from simply not turning up to Aston Villa's football trials as a teenager, playing while drunk to being imprisoned for affray at the height of his career.But Troy never gave up, even when it meant playing professional football with an ankle tag. He went on to score 20+ goals in three successive seasons and became the Club Captain, an FA Cup finalist, promotion winner and Watford's record scorer. He also became an outspoken player advocate and - in an age of bland footballer interviews - is a sought after voice on football and footballers today.Engaging, endearing and insightful, this book is where Troy comes to terms with his turbulent past.

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Book SynopsisIn 2003, England won the Rugby World Cup. Steve Thompson was there, in England's front row, at the heart of the match, and at the heart of the scrum - one of sport's most destructive, repetitive impacts.But the triumphs came at a cost. When rugby union turned professional, Steve was plunged into a game where raw power meant everything. Today, he remembers nothing about playing in that final. In his words, watching the tape back is like watching a ghost.The years of hurt in an era of professional meat shields, and the culture of sucking up punishment and coming back for more, have taken a terrible toll. Steve has been diagnosed with early onset dementia, and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy. He is in his early forties. There are days when he doesn't remember the names of his wife and four kids.Unforgettable is part sports memoir - with stories contributed by his world-cup winning teammates and his former manager, Sir Clive Woodward - and part raw human storytelling. In it, Steve will make memories for himself and for his children, and will relive the biggest battle of his life, with his toughest opponent - his own mind.Despite the constant reminders of what has been lost, and what is still to lose, Steve's powerful story is one of hope and courage. Unforgettable stands as testament to the ultimate strength of the human mind - and to a man no longer pushing himself to the limit for competition, but for his own place in the world.

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Book SynopsisA Director's Tale is the story of Burnley Football Club in the early 1980s, a time of short-lived success and then turmoil. With special access to the diaries of director Derek Gill, Dave Thomas brings you the unvarnished inside story, revealing what went on behind the scenes amid conflict with chairman John Jackson and manager John Bond. These were torrid times involving, at first, a surprise promotion, then a relegation, then John Bond's departure and another relegation. This was a group of men who were all competent and professional in their own fields - Jackson was a barrister, Gill an accountant - but they became a toxic mix in the boardroom. The Bond season has gone into the Turf Moor history books as one of the most damaging. His name is much derided in Burnley today, but he was only a part of a bigger problem. The Gill diaries provide a unique opportunity to see - warts and all - the workings and machinations of boardroom politics. This is a story of failure and acrimony.

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Book SynopsisSammy McIlroy experienced one of the most memorable careers in football. After all, who else can say they played with George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton, experienced relegation, won trophies and played under six different managers at Manchester United? With more than 400 appearances, McIlroy - the last player signed by the legendary Sir Matt Busby - is a bona fide Old Trafford legend, and is an intrinsic part of the fabric of its illustrious history. One of the few footballers to have played in two international tournaments for Northern Ireland (and been captain in one), 'Super' Sam went on to manage his country after a successful spell in charge of Macclesfield Town. He tells his extraordinary story with remarkable candour and emotion, pulling no punches. From the anxiety of his homesickness to the exhilaration of his club debut, from the lows of his heartbreaking exit from United to the highs of leading his country out in a World Cup, The Last Busby Babe finally puts on record one of the greatest careers in football history.

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Book SynopsisBetter Than He Knew: The Graham Barlow Story recalls the cricketing life of Graham Barlow, a talented all-round sportsman and largely unsung member of the Middlesex team that dominated domestic cricket from 1976 to 1985. Emerging from schoolboy cricket, seven years passed before he established himself in 1976. Cast aside after a 300-day international career, his focus on fitness and fielding often overshadowed his pugnacious batting. After a disastrous 1982, promotion to the top of the order to open with Wilf Slack provided the stability that he longed for and triggered the most successful period of his career until injury forced retirement. A global coaching career followed with success in New Zealand as head coach of Central Districts. Better Than He Knew is a deeply personally tribute that includes Graham's memoirs and synchronistic thoughts about the ups and downs of his life and career. There's also insight from former team-mates, whose stories celebrate this likeable cricketer and a golden era of county cricket.

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Book Synopsis1966 legend Sir Geoff Hurst is the only footballer in history to score a World Cup final hat-trick. To mark his 80th birthday, he has named the 80 sportsmen who most inspired and motivated him throughout his life. Sir Geoff, who scored 24 goals in 49 England games, also had a talent for cricket, and has an in-depth knowledge of all the major sports. His A to Z of sporting heroes covers multiple sports and decades, from Muhammad Ali to Zinedine Zidane. The book is filled with surprising facts, and Sir Geoff challenges you to count how many times you exclaim, 'I didn't know that!' when reading his entertaining and enlightening breakdown on his sporting idols. Writing in collaboration with renowned sports historian Norman Giller, who reported Sir Geoff's West Ham debut in 1960, Hurst personalises each profile with anecdotes that offer a unique insight into the individual. Pitch Publishing are planning a similar book on the greatest post-war sportswomen, but for now enjoy Sir Geoff Hurst discussing his 80 greatest sportsmen.

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Book SynopsisFormer Burnley FC director Clive Holt brings us the inside track on his 35 years at the club in a compelling memoir chock-full of anecdotes and previously untold stories. Every committee or boardroom needs someone who can ask awkward questions and see what might be coming around the next corner. Clive was that man at Burnley FC. Wherever Burnley were playing, he rarely missed a match, whether those dreadful games of the old Fourth Division when Burnley were in the doldrums, or the heady afternoons at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge or the Emirates in the Premier League. Clive's knowledge of the workings of Burnley was encyclopaedic, and as company secretary he knew exactly what was going on throughout the club. He left the board in 2020 when Burnley were bought by the American company ALK, but continues to attend games with a devotion that has never wavered.

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Book SynopsisThe revealing autobiography of former footballer Emile Heskey. From humble beginnings, Emile became one of Leicester's favourite sons, as part of Martin O'Neill's swashbuckling misfits. In five years he won promotion, four top-ten Premier League finishes and two League Cups. England called, as did Gerard Houllier and an £11 million move to Liverpool, enabling Emile to form a memorable partnership with Michael Owen for both club and country. Then came the trophies - six of them, including the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup. Heskey's England career saw him play in two European Championships and two World Cups as part of the Golden Generation, earning 62 caps and scoring seven times - including the final goal in the 5-1 demolition of Germany. He went on to play for Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa, Newcastle Jets and Bolton Wanderers, notably donating £100,000 to save Leicester City from extinction. Even Heskey Scored is the story of a largely unsung player, loved by his team-mates, who overcame fierce criticism to live the dream.

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Book SynopsisIn this compelling memoir, Roy Massey tells the fascinating story of his 50 years in football as a player, coach and scout, including a long spell at Arsenal during the Wenger glory years. As a player, Massey overcame a series of injuries to score goals for Rotherham, Orient and Colchester only for another serious injury to end his career at an early age. Unperturbed, he became a PE teacher and combined this with behind-the-scenes work to discover and nurture talent at Colchester United and later full-time at Norwich, where he helped the Canaries as they revolutionised their youth programme. When the FA agreed to allow clubs to attract and train children from eight years upwards, it was Massey whom Gunners legend Liam Brady asked to join him at Arsenal in 1998 as assistant academy manager. Over the next 16 seasons Massey helped build a new academy structure that would unearth and develop a wealth of young talent capable of playing at the top of the football ladder. Massey later scouted for three Premier League clubs.Trade Review"A fascinating memoir, Roy recalls signing a boy called Harry Kane but ultimately deciding he did not have what it took to make it at the top level... 'Nobody on the staff argued that I was making a mistake.' Indeed, it took so long for anyone to recognise the potential of England's record goalscorer that Tottenham also let him go, taking him back only after he impressed playing against them for Watford's academy team." * Backpass magazine *

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